U.S. patent application number 11/368019 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for swivel organizer.
Invention is credited to Lori Greiner.
Application Number | 20070145868 11/368019 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37946064 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070145868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greiner; Lori |
June 28, 2007 |
Swivel organizer
Abstract
A storage organizer for vanity items includes a cabinet in which
an interior space is formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall
opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending from the first
sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top
wall and extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall,
and a back wall extending from the first sidewall to the second
sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall. A door, for the
interior space, extends between the top wall and the bottom wall
and from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, opposite the
back wall when in a closed position. The storage organizer further
includes a base joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the
swivel joint allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the
base.
Inventors: |
Greiner; Lori; (Chicago,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37946064 |
Appl. No.: |
11/368019 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60754445 |
Dec 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/249.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 49/00 20130101;
A45C 11/16 20130101; A47B 67/005 20130101; A47F 7/02 20130101; A47B
67/02 20130101; A47F 7/28 20130101; A45D 44/00 20130101; A47F 3/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/249.2 |
International
Class: |
A47B 97/00 20060101
A47B097/00 |
Claims
1. A storage organizer for vanity items comprising: a cabinet
including a first interior space formed by a first sidewall, a
second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending
from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall
opposing the top wall and extending from the first sidewall to the
second sidewall, and a back wall extending from the first sidewall
to the second sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall; a
first door, for the first interior space, extending between the top
wall and the bottom wall and from the first sidewall to the second
sidewall, opposite the back wall when in a closed position; and a
base joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the swivel joint
allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the base.
2. The organizer of claim 1, wherein: the back wall of the cabinet
includes a first side and a second side, and the first interior
space is disposed on the first side of the back wall; and further
comprising a mirror disposed on the second side of the back
wall.
3. The organizer of claim 1, wherein: the back wall of the cabinet
includes a first side and a second side and the first interior
space is disposed on the first side of the back wall; and the
cabinet further includes a second interior space disposed on the
second side of the back wall and formed by the first sidewall, the
second sidewall, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall;
and further comprising a second door, for the second interior
space, extending between the top wall and the bottom wall and from
the first sidewall to the second sidewall, opposite the back wall,
when in a closed position.
4. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a shelf-like
container mounted within the first interior space of the
cabinet.
5. The organizer of claim 4, wherein the container includes a
plurality of compartments, each compartment having an opening.
6. The organizer of claim 4, wherein the container is pivotally
mounted to the first and second sidewalls for rotation from a first
position to a second position.
7. The organizer of claim 6, wherein the container includes at
least one compartment, the compartment having an opening, the
opening directed toward the top wall when the container is in the
first position and directed outward from the first interior space
when in the container is in the second position.
8. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a shelf-like
container mounted on an inner surface of the first door.
9. The organizer of claim 8, wherein the container includes a
plurality of compartments, each compartment having an opening.
10. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted within the first interior space.
11. The organizer of claim 1, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted on an inner surface of the first door.
12. The organizer of claim 3, further comprising: a shelf-like
container mounted within the first interior space; and a jewelry
storage element mounted within the second interior space.
13. The organizer of claim 12, wherein the container includes a
plurality of compartments, each compartment having an opening.
14. The organizer of claim 12, wherein container is pivotally
mounted to the first and second sidewalls for rotation from a first
position to a second position.
15. The organizer of claim 14, wherein the container includes at
least one compartment, the compartment having an opening, the
opening directed toward the top wall when the container is in the
first position and directed outward from the first interior space
when in the container is in the second position.
16. The organizer of claim 3, further comprising: a shelf-like
container mounted on an inner surface of the first door; and a
jewelry storage element mounted on an inner surface of the second
door.
17. The organizer of claim 3, further comprising: a first mirror
disposed on an outer surface of the first door; and a second mirror
disposed on an outer surface of the second door.
18. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the swivel joint includes a
pair of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet at a discrete
location, the stops allowing rotation of the cabinet past the
location.
19. The organizer of claim 1, wherein the swivel joint includes a
plurality of pairs of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet,
each at a corresponding discrete location, the pairs of stops
allowing rotation of the cabinet past each of the locations.
20. The organizer of claim 3, wherein: the first sidewall of the
cabinet includes a first side and a second side and the first and
second interior spaces are disposed on the first side of the first
sidewall; and the cabinet further includes a third sidewall and a
fourth sidewall extending from the second side of the first side
wall and a third interior space disposed on the second side of the
first sidewall between the second and third sidewalls.
21. The organizer of claim 20, wherein: the second sidewall of the
cabinet includes a first side and a second side and the first and
second interior spaces are disposed on the first side of the second
sidewall; and the cabinet further includes a fifth sidewall and a
sixth sidewall extending from the second side of the second side
wall and a fourth interior space disposed on the second side of the
second sidewall between the fifth and sixth sidewalls.
22. The organizer of claim 2, further comprising a tilt mechanism
to orient the mirror at an angle with respect to a vertical
axis.
23. A storage organizer for vanity items comprising: a cabinet
including: a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposing the first
sidewall, a top wall extending from the first sidewall to the
second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top wall and extending
from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, and a back wall
extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall and from
the top wall to the bottom wall; a first interior space disposed on
the first side of the back wall and formed by the first sidewall,
the second sidewall, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back
wall; and a second interior space disposed on the second side of
the back wall and formed by the first sidewall, the second
sidewall, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back wall; a first
door, for the first interior space, extending between the top wall
and the bottom wall and from the first sidewall to the second
sidewall, opposite the back wall when in a closed position; a
second door, for the second interior space, extending between the
top wall and the bottom wall and from the first sidewall to the
second sidewall, opposite the back wall, when in a closed position;
and a base joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the swivel
joint allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the
base.
24. The organizer of claim 23, further comprising a mirror disposed
on an outer surface of the first door.
25. The organizer of claim 24, further comprising another mirror
disposed on an outer surface of the second door.
26. The organizer of claim 23, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted within the first interior space.
27. The organizer of claim 23, further comprising a shelf-like
container mounted within the first interior space.
28. The organizer of claim 27, wherein the container includes a
plurality of compartments, each compartment having an opening.
29. The organizer of claim 27, wherein the container is pivotally
mounted to the first and second sidewalls for rotation from a first
position to a second position.
30. The organizer of claim 29, wherein the container includes at
least one compartment, the compartment having an opening, the
opening directed toward the top wall when the container is in the
first position and directed outward from the first interior space
when in the container is in the second position.
31. The organizer of claim 27, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted within the second interior space.
32. The organizer of claim 23, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted on an inner surface of the first door.
33. The organizer of claim 23, further comprising a shelf-like
container mounted on the inner surface of the first door.
34. The organizer of claim 33, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted on an inner surface of the second door.
35. The organizer of claim 23, wherein the swivel joint includes a
pair of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet at a discrete
location, the stops allowing rotation of the cabinet past the
location.
36. The organizer of claim 23, wherein the swivel joint includes a
plurality of pairs of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet,
each at a corresponding discrete location, the pairs of stops
allowing rotation of the cabinet past each of the locations.
37. The organizer of claim 23, further comprising a tilt mechanism
to orient the first door at an angle with respect to a vertical
axis.
38. A storage organizer for vanity items comprising: a cabinet
including a first interior space formed by a first sidewall, a
second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending
from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall
opposing the top wall and extending from the first sidewall to the
second sidewall, and a back wall extending from the first sidewall
to the second sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall; a
first door, for the first interior space, extending between the top
wall and the bottom wall and from the first sidewall to the second
sidewall, opposite the back wall when in a closed position; a
shelf-like container disposed within the first interior space and
pivotally mounted to the first and second sidewalls for rotation
from a first position to a second position, the container including
a plurality of compartment, each compartment having an opening,
each opening directed toward the top wall when the container is in
the first position and directed outward from the first interior
space when the container is in the second position; and a base
joined to the bottom wall by a swivel joint, the swivel joint
allowing the cabinet to rotate 360 degrees about the base.
39. The organizer of claim 38, further comprising a mirror disposed
on an outer surface of the first door.
40. The organizer of claim 38, wherein: the back wall of the
cabinet includes a first side and a second side and the first
interior space is disposed on the first side of the back wall; and
further comprising a mirror disposed on the second side of the back
wall.
41. The organizer of claim 38, wherein: the back wall of the
cabinet includes a first side and a second side and the first
interior space is disposed on the first side of the back wall; and
the cabinet further includes a second interior space disposed on
the second side of the back wall and formed by the first sidewall,
the second sidewall, the top wall, the bottom wall, and the back
wall; and further comprising a second door, for the second interior
space, extending between the top wall and the bottom wall and from
the first sidewall to the second sidewall, opposite the back wall,
when in a closed position.
42. The organizer of claim 41, further comprising a mirror disposed
on an outer surface of the first door.
43. The organizer of claim 42, further comprising another mirror
disposed on an outer surface of the second door.
44. The organizer of claim 38, further comprising another
shelf-like container mounted on an inner surface of the first
door.
45. The organizer of claim 41, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted on an inner surface of the second door.
46. The organizer of claim 41, further comprising a jewelry storage
element mounted within the second interior space.
47. The organizer of claim 46, further comprising another
shelf-like container mounted on an inner surface of the first
door.
48. The organizer of claim 38, wherein the swivel joint includes a
pair of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet at a discrete
location, the stops allowing rotation of the cabinet past the
location.
49. The organizer of claim 38, wherein the swivel joint includes a
plurality of pairs of mating stops to slow rotation of the cabinet,
each at a corresponding discrete location, the pairs of stops
allowing rotation of the cabinet past each of the locations.
50. The organizer of claim 39, further comprising a tilt mechanism
to orient the mirror at an angle with respect to a vertical
axis.
51. The organizer of claim 42, further comprising a tilt mechanism
to orient the mirror at an angle with respect to a vertical axis.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
No. 60/754,445 filed on Dec. 28, 2005, which is hereby incorporated
in its entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention pertains to organizers and more
particularly to vanity organizers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vanity items such as jewelry and cosmetics, for example,
makeup, hair styling products, creams, lotions, etc., are often
stored in a number of storage receptacles, for example, cabinets
and chests, that may vary considerably from one another, according
to the type of item stored therein and the intended placement
thereof, for example in a drawer, on a counter or dresser top, or
on a floor. Thus, these various storage receptacles may not be
conveniently located with respect to one another. What is needed is
a single storage organizer accommodating many, if not all, of these
vanity items in an organized fashion and providing flexibility for
ease of access to each item.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] A storage organizer for vanity items, according to
embodiments of the present invention, includes a cabinet in which
an interior space is formed by a first sidewall, a second sidewall
opposing the first sidewall, a top wall extending from the first
sidewall to the second sidewall, a bottom wall opposing the top
wall and extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall,
and a back wall extending from the first sidewall to the second
sidewall and from the top wall to the bottom wall. A door, for the
interior space, extends between the top wall and the bottom wall
and from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, opposite the
back wall when in a closed position; according to some embodiments,
the door includes a mirror disposed on an outer surface thereof.
The storage organizer further includes a base joined to the bottom
wall by a swivel joint, the swivel joint allowing the cabinet to
rotate 360 degrees about the base. Embodiments including the
mirror, may further include a tilting mechanism to allow the mirror
to tilt upwards. Embodiments of the present invention may further
include a shelf-like container disposed within the interior space
and pivotally mounted to the first and second sidewalls for
rotation from a first position to a second position.
[0005] According to some alternate embodiments, first and second
interior spaces are disposed on either side of the back wall; a
first door into the first interior space is hinged to the first
sidewall and extends from the top wall to the bottom wall and
across to the second sidewall, and a second door into the second
interior space is hinged to the second sidewall and extends from
the top wall to the bottom wall and across to the first
sidewall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the
scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so
stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the
explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of
the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0007] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of an organizer, according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a section view through section line A-A of FIG.
1A.
[0009] FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the organizer shown in
FIGS. 1A-B.
[0010] FIG. 1D is top view of the organizer shown in FIGS.
1A-C.
[0011] FIGS. 2A-B are elevation views of a first interior space of
the organizer shown in FIGS. 1A-B.
[0012] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a container disassembled
from the first interior space.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a second interior space of
the organizer shown in FIGS. 1A-B.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the
swivel joint from FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a section view through section line B-B of FIG.
4A.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a section view through an organizer according to
alternate embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-B are a side elevation view and a top view of an
organizer according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 6C is a detail view of a portion of a tilt mechanism
from FIGS. 6A-B.
[0019] FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of an organizer according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7B is a section view of a door of the organizer shown
in FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7C is a side view of the door shown in FIG. 7B wherein
a tilt mechanism is engaged.
[0022] FIGS. 8 and 9 are a perspective views into interior spaces
of an organizer, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides practical illustrations for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of an organizer 10
according to some embodiments of the present invention; and FIG. 1B
is a section view through section line A-A of FIG. 1A. FIGS. 1A-B
illustrate a cabinet of organizer 10 including a first interior
space 101 and a second interior space 102, each formed by a first
sidewall 11, a second sidewall 12 opposite first side wall 11, a
top wall 13 and a bottom wall 14, each extending from first
sidewall 11 to second sidewall 12; a back wall 16 extends from
first sidewall 11 to second side wall 12 and from top wall 13 to
bottom wall 14 such that first interior space 101 is disposed on a
first side 161 of back wall 16 and second interior space 102 is
disposed on a second side 162 of back wall 16. A first door 110,
for first interior space 101, is shown hinged to second side wall
12, and a second door 120, for second interior space 102, is shown
hinged to first side wall 11, for example with hinges 121; both
doors 110, 120 are shown partially open. According to the
illustrated embodiment, second door 120 includes a mirror 125
disposed on an exterior surface 122; likewise, another mirror may
be disposed on an exterior surface of first door 110. It should be
noted that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to
doors which are hinged to sidewalls as depicted in the
illustrations, for those skilled in the art will appreciate other
locations for, and types of couplings suitable for the doors.
[0025] FIG. 1A further illustrates organizer 10 including a base 15
joined to bottom wall 14 by a swivel joint 145. According to
embodiments of the present invention, swivel joint 145 allows the
cabinet to swivel 360 degrees about base 15, so that a person using
organizer 10 may rotate the cabinet about a vertical axis, per
arrow A, in order to gain access to all sides of organizer 10. FIG.
1D is a top view of organizer 10 further illustrating various
swivel positions of organizer 10 with dashed lines. An exemplary
embodiment of swivel joint 145 will be described below in
conjunction with FIGS. 4A-B.
[0026] FIG. 1B further illustrates a depth D of the cabinet, a
depth D1 of first interior space 101 and a depth D2 of second
interior space 102; according to an exemplary embodiment depth D is
approximately seven inches, depth D1 is approximately 3 and 9/16
inches, and depth D2 is approximately 2 and 9/16 inches. According
to the illustrated embodiment, first interior space 101 is
configured to accommodate cosmetic items and second interior space
102 is configured to accommodate jewelry items, as will be
described in greater detail below, in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-C
and FIG. 3, respectively. It should be understood that, according
to alternate embodiments of the present invention, both interior
spaces 101, 102 could be configured to store cosmetic items, or
both spaces 101, 102 could be configured to store jewelry items.
Furthermore, although organizer 10 is shown including two interior
spaces 101, 102, alternate embodiments of the present invention
include a single interior space, either configured to store jewelry
items or cosmetic items, while further alternate embodiments
include one or more additional interior spaces, in addition to
spaces 101, 102, for example formed by additional sidewalls
extending from opposing sides of either or both of first and second
sidewalls 11, 12, as is shown in cross-section in FIG. 5. If
organizer 10 includes only one interior space, for example interior
space 101, back wall 16 would terminate the single space, and an
outer surface of back wall 16, for example second side 162, could
include a mirror disposed thereon.
[0027] FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of organizer 10 from FIGS.
1A-B. FIG. 1C illustrates a width W and height H of organizer 10;
according to an exemplary embodiment, width W is approximately nine
and 2 inches and height H is approximately nineteen and 1/2 inches.
FIG. 1C further illustrates a height h of base 15 and a clearance c
between base 15 and the cabinet to accommodate swiveling action.
According to an exemplary embodiment, base height h is
approximately 5/16 of an inch and clearance c is approximately 1/16
of an inch.
[0028] FIGS. 2A-B are elevation views of first interior space 101
of organizer 10 and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of interior space
101 showing various cosmetic items stored therein. FIG. 2A
illustrates interior space 101 including two shelf-like containers
21 that each include a plurality of compartments 210, each
compartment 210 having an opening directed toward top wall 13.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, containers
21 are pivotally mounted to first and second sidewalls 11, 12 for
rotation from a first position, in which containers 21 are shown in
FIG. 1A, to a second position, in which containers 21 are shown in
FIG. 1B. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of one of containers 21
disassembled from interior space 101 to show how containers 21 are
pivotally mounted. FIG. 2C illustrates container 21 adapted to be
pivotally mounted on pins 215, one pin 215 protruding from each of
sidewalls 11 and 12; each pin 215 mates in a slot 213 formed in
either end of each container 21. According to the illustrated
embodiment, a front end 211 of each slot 213 rests on the
corresponding pin 215 in the first position (FIG. 2A) until
container 21 is lifted slightly to allow each slot 213 to slide
forward from each pin 215, so that an opposing end 217 of each slot
213 rests against each pin 215, such that container 21 is tilted
forward into the second position (FIG. 2B). The dashed lines in
FIG. 2C represent an end profile of container 21 tilted into the
second position, wherein end 217 of slot 213 is resting on pin 215.
According to the illustrated embodiment, an upper surface of
container 21, corresponding to the openings of compartments 210, is
disposed at an angle .beta. of approximately 45 degrees, with
respect to a horizontal plane, when container 21 is in the second
position.
[0029] Each compartment 210 of containers 21 may hold tubes or
bottles of cosmetics (FIG. 8), for example lipstick or nail polish,
respectively, and, according to an exemplary embodiment, have a
width, depth and height of approximately 7/8 of an inch. The
second, or tilted position of containers 21 (FIG. 2B) may allow for
easier access to compartments 210 for insertion and removal of
items. With reference to FIG. 2A, a spacing S21 between containers
21, measured from a bottom of one to the bottom of the other,
according to an exemplary embodiment, is approximately 3 and 1/4
inches; the uppermost container 21 may also be spaced a similar
distance from top wall 13.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 2A, a second type of shelf-like
container 24 is shown disposed in interior space 101; according to
the illustrated embodiment, container 24 is partitioned into
compartments 240 by dividers extending from a front sidewall of
container 24 to back wall 16. According to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, a width of each compartment 240 is
approximately two inches, a depth of each compartment 240 is
approximately 1 and 3/8 inches, and a height of each compartment
240, defined by the front sidewall, is approximately 1 and 7/16
inches. According to the illustrated embodiment, each compartment
240 can hold wider items than compartments 210, for example jars of
cream or eye-shadow compacts. The dividers of container 24 may be
permanently positioned, or removable so that a user of organizer 10
may adjust the partitioning of container 24 to re-configure
compartments 240. FIG. 2A further illustrates a lower compartment
250 formed by a front sidewall 25 extending up from bottom wall 14
and across from first sidewall 11 to second sidewall 12. According
to an exemplary embodiment, compartment 250 has a depth of
approximately 1 and 3/4 inches. According to the illustrated
embodiment, compartment 250 can hold larger items than each of
compartments 240, for example bottles of lotion or hair styling
products (FIG. 8). With reference to FIG. 2B, a spacing S241
between containers 24 and 21, measured from a bottom of one to a
bottom of the other, may be approximately 3 and 3/4 inches, and a
spacing S254 between bottom wall 14 and container 24 may be
approximately 7 and 1/2 inches.
[0031] FIG. 2A further illustrates additional shelf-like containers
22 and 23 mounted on an interior surface 118 of door 110; each of
containers 22 include compartments 220 and container 23 includes
compartments 230. According to an exemplary embodiment, each
compartment 220 has a width of approximately four inches, a depth
of approximately 3/4 of an inch and a height of approximately one
inch, and each compartment 230 has a width of approximately one and
3/8 inch, a depth of approximately 3/4 of an inch, and a height of
approximately two inches. As previously described for container 24,
dividers of containers 22 and 23 forming compartments 220 and 230,
respectively, may also be removable so that a user of organizer 10
can reconfigure the compartments of each container. With reference
to FIG. 2B, a spacing S22 between containers 22, measured from a
bottom of one to a bottom of the other, may be approximately three
and 1/2 inches, a spacing S221 between a top of door 110 and the
bottom of the uppermost container 22 may be approximately three
inches, and a spacing S23 between container 23 and the lowermost
container 22, measured from a bottom of one to a bottom of the
other, may be approximately seven and 1/2 inches.
[0032] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of second interior space 102 of
organizer 10 and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of interior space 102
showing various jewelry items stored therein. FIG. 3 illustrates
several jewelry storage elements mounted within interior space 102
between first and second sidewalls 11, 12; the storage elements,
which are all shown attached to back wall 16, include a ring
storage element 34, a hook bar 32 supporting a plurality of hooks,
and a pocket-like receptacle 33. FIG. 3 further illustrates
pocket-like receptacle 33 disposed below hook bar 32, for example,
so that lower portions of necklaces, which would be hanging from
the hooks, can be received within pocket-like receptacle 33, for
example, to prevent damage or tangling. According to the
illustrated embodiment, ring storage element 34 includes a
plurality of slits 340 arranged in an array of rows and columns;
each slit 340 is compliant and sized for an interference fit about
a single ring. Slits 340 may be formed in a foam panel, which is
glued to back wall 16, or by a plurality of parallel rolls
positioned adjacent one another to form the slits therebetween.
Although slits 340 are illustrated extending in a horizontal
direction, slits 340 may alternately extend in a vertical
direction. Pocket-like receptacle 33 may be formed by a fabric
panel including an elastic member attached to an upper edge
thereof, which may be stretched to open receptacle 33 to receive
portions of necklaces hung from the hooks of hook bar 32.
[0033] FIG. 3 further illustrates several additional jewelry
storage elements mounted on an inner surface 128 of door 120; the
additional storage elements include an earring storage element 31,
a second hook bar 32 supporting a plurality of hooks, and a second
pocket-like receptacle 33 disposed in proximity to hook bar 32 to
accommodate relatively short jewelry items hung from hook bar 32,
for example bracelets. According to the illustrated embodiment,
earring storage element includes a plurality of horizontal
cross-bars 315 spanning posts 310 that are attached to inner
surface 128 of door 120; each horizontal cross bar 315 includes a
plurality of openings, each dimensioned to receive an earring.
[0034] Further details regarding the jewelry storage elements
described herein are included in commonly assigned patent
application, publication no. 2005/0093405, which is hereby
incorporated by reference, in its entirety. Furthermore, it should
be noted that any or all of the storage elements of the present
invention may be designed to be moveable within interior space 102,
as described in the aforementioned commonly assigned patent
application, and, any additional storage items not described herein
but described in the aforementioned patent application may also be
incorporated into embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 4A is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of
swivel joint 145 from FIG. 1A; and FIG. 4B is a section view
through section line B-B of FIG. 4A. As previously described,
swivel joint 145 allows the cabinet to swivel 360 degrees about
base 15, so that a person using organizer 10 may rotate the cabinet
to gain access to different sides thereof, for example to initially
access first interior space 101 and then to access second interior
space 102. FIG. 4A illustrates swivel joint 145 including a ball
bearing assembly 43 coupling base 15 to a swivel mount 41, which is
coupled to bottom wall 14 of the cabinet; a cavity 435 of base 15
contains this coupling, and an annular groove 425, formed in base
15, contains a turning ring 42 including casters 420, which support
a weight of the cabinet while allowing swiveling action. FIG. 4B
illustrates mount 41 including an outward projecting protrusion 410
and annular groove 425 including a plurality of inward projecting
protrusions 450 disposed about a perimeter thereof. According to
the illustrated embodiment, protrusion 410 along with each of
protrusions 450 form a pair of mating stops as protrusion 410 of
mount 41 rotates past each of protrusions 450; the mating stops
will slow or stop the rotation of the cabinet at discrete locations
about the 360 degree-revolution thereof. The mating stops can
regulate a speed of rotation so that a person using organizer 10
does not inadvertently spin the cabinet past a desired point, and
can hold the cabinet at a desired point about the 360
degree-revolution. It should be noted that alternate embodiments of
the present invention may include a fewer or a greater number of
protrusions 450 in groove 450 to provide a different number of
mating stops; furthermore, additional embodiments include other
types of stops or no stops at all.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a section view through an organizer 50 according
to alternate embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5
illustrates organizer 50 including a cabinet having four interior
spaces 501, 502, 503, and 504, each of which may include either
shelf-like containers, for example as described for first interior
space 101 of organizer 10, or jewelry storage elements, for example
as described for second interior space 102 of organizer 10, or a
combination of both. First and second interior spaces 501 and 502
are shown formed by a first side wall 511, a second sidewall 512
and a back wall 516 extending between first and second sidewalls
511, 512. Third interior space 503 is shown formed by a pair of
sidewalls 513 and 523 extending from opposing ends of first
sidewall 511; and fourth interior space 504 is shown formed by a
pair of sidewalls 514 and 524 extending from opposing ends of
second sidewall 512. FIG. 5 further illustrates each interior space
501, 502, 503, 504 accessible through corresponding doors 510, 520,
530 and 540, which are shown hinged to sidewalls 511, 512, 523 and
514, respectively; each door is shown partially open. According to
embodiments of the present invention, organizer 50 further includes
a base 515 on which the cabinet is pivotally mounted, so that a
user may swivel the cabinet for access to each of interior spaces
501, 502, 503, 504; although not shown, it should be understood
that the cabinet is joined to base 515 by a swivel joint, which may
be similar to that described for organizer 10.
[0037] Organizers according to the present invention may be of any
proportions, for example, one group of embodiments has a relatively
large overall size, for example, to stand on a floor, and another
group of embodiments has a relatively small overall size, for
example, to stand on a counter-top or dresser-top. In either case,
some of the embodiments, which include a mirror, for example, as
depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1C, further include a tilt mechanism in
order to orient the mirror at an angle with respect to a vertical
axis. For the floor models, an upward tilt of the mirror may be
particularly desired, however it is contemplated that an upward
tilt would also be desirable for the counter-top or dresser-top
models, particularly if the top on which the organizer is placed is
around waist height. FIGS. 6A-7C illustrate several embodiments of
tilt mechanisms. Of course other types of tilting mechanisms now
known or later invented may be used. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
5,870,858 entitled "Christmas Tree Stand", which is hereby
incorporated in its entirety, describes a tilt mechanism which may
be adapted for use with organizers of the present invention.
Furthermore, foot activated mechanisms for applying either a lever
or a wedging action may be incorporated into tilting mechanisms for
organizers of the present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 6A-B are a side elevation view and a top view of an
organizer 60 according to some embodiments of the present
invention. FIGS. 6A-B illustrate organizer 60 including first
sidewall 11, second sidewall 12 opposite first side wall 11, top
wall 13 and bottom wall 14, each extending from first sidewall 11
to second sidewall 12; a back wall 16 extends from first sidewall
11 to second side wall 12 and from top wall 13 to bottom wall 14.
Similar to the cabinet of previously illustrated organizer 10, the
aforementioned walls enclose an interior space of the cabinet,
which is accessible via door 120 that may be hinged to first side
wall 11; the cabinet is also similarly coupled by swivel joint 145
to base 15. A mirror may be disposed on an outer surface of either
or both of door 120 and back wall 16, and FIG. 6A further
illustrates organizer including a tilt mechanism 650 to orient
organizer 60 and thus mirror(s) at an angle with respect to a
vertical axis. According-to the illustrated embodiment, tilt
mechanism 650 includes a first telescoping leg 654 and a second
telescoping leg 656, which each include an inner portion 651 and an
outer portion 652, into which inner portion 651 extends.
[0039] FIG. 6C is a detail view of one of telescoping legs 654,
656. FIG. 6C illustrates a locking pin 653 holding inner portion
651 in place with respect to outer portion 652 at a desired
extension of inner portion 651 from outer portion 652. According to
the illustrated embodiment, outer portion 651 includes a hole (not
shown), passing through opposing sidewalls thereof, and inner
portion 651 includes a series of holes (not shown) spaced along a
length thereof, each hole extending through opposing sidewalls
thereof, an alignment of inner and outer holes provides a
passageway for pin 653 to pass in order to reversibly lock portions
651, 652 together at various extensions of inner portion 651 from
outer portion 652. FIG. 6A illustrates inner portions 651 extending
equidistance from outer portions 652 of first and second legs 654,
656, such that organizer 60 is not tilted; FIG. 6A further
illustrates, with dashed lines, a tilt of organizer 60 that would
result if inner portion 651 of first leg 654 were to be extended,
per arrow C. If door 120 includes a mirror disposed on an outer
surface thereof, it will be appreciated that the tilt shown by the
dashed lines will provide a person, whose eye-level is within a
range extending along and above an upper portion of the mirror, an
improved view into the mirror.
[0040] FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of an organizer 70
according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 7A
illustrates a door 720, which provides access to an interior space
of a cabinet of organizer 70; the cabinet of organizer 70 may
include one or more interior spaces, for example, similar to either
organizer 10 or organizer 50, previously illustrated, and is shown
coupled to base 15 by swivel joint 145. FIG. 7A further illustrates
a panel 721 including a mirror 726 and a handle 725, each disposed
on an outer surface thereof; panel 721 is shown coupled to door 720
by a pair of hinges 730.
[0041] FIG. 7B is a section view of a door of the organizer shown
in FIG. 7A, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7B illustrates door
720 including a recessed area 724 into which panel 721 is fitted.
FIG. 7B further illustrates panel 721 including a tilt mechanism,
which is formed by an arm 723 joined to panel at a pivot joint 722,
in combination with hinges 730. According to the illustrated
embodiment, a lower portion of panel 721 may be pulled away from
door 720, for example, via handle 725, to be reversibly locked in a
tilted position, when arm 723 rotates about pivot joint 722 and
becomes extended to support panel as illustrated in FIG. 7C.
According to some embodiments arm 723 is disposed near a midpoint
of a width of panel 721 and may extend across the width; according
to alternate embodiments, multiple arms 723 may be spaced apart
approximately across the width of panel 721. It may be appreciated
that the tilt of panel 721 shown in FIG. 7C will provide a person,
whose eye-level is within a range extending along and above an
upper portion of the mirror, an improved view into mirror 726.
[0042] In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it
may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
* * * * *